Afghanistan operates on the afghani, abbreviated AFN, issued by Da Afghanistan Bank. Exchange rates fluctuate significantly due to limited foreign exchange reserves and economic volatility. As of 2024, approximately 70-75 afghani equal one US dollar in official channels, though parallel market rates vary by 10-20 percent depending on location and availability of foreign currency. US dollars circulate widely in Kabul and other major cities, particularly in transactions involving foreigners or large purchases. Euros have limited acceptance outside Herat, which maintains historical trade ties with Iran. Money changers operate openly in bazaars across Kabul, Kandahar, Herat, and Mazar-i-Sharif, with rates negotiated per transaction. Banks function sporadically, with international transfers severely restricted since August 2021. The United Nations and humanitarian organizations transfer funds through informal hawala networks, the traditional trust-based system that predates modern banking in the region. Carrying cash remains the only reliable method for travelers, with small-denomination US dollar bills preferred for flexibility in rural areas where change for larger notes proves difficult to obtain.
Daily costs in Afghanistan rank among the lowest in Asia when measured in absolute dollar terms, though availability of goods and services has contracted substantially since 2021. A basic guesthouse room in Kabul costs 800-1500 afghani per night, equivalent to approximately 11-20 US dollars, usually including breakfast of naan, tea, and eggs. Similar accommodation in Herat or Mazar-i-Sharif runs 600-1200 afghani. Meals at local restaurants cost 100-200 afghani for dishes such as kabuli pulao, shorwa, or kebab with naan, placing a full day's food budget at 400-600 afghani or roughly 6-8 dollars. Street food including bolani, sambosa, or roasted corn drops to 30-80 afghani per item. Tea in chaikhanas costs 20-40 afghani per cup. A traveler eating exclusively at local establishments and staying in Afghan guesthouses can operate on 15-25 dollars daily, though this figure applies only to those with existing contacts or organizational affiliations, since independent tourism infrastructure has largely ceased functioning.
Transportation costs vary dramatically between urban and intercontinental contexts. Shared taxis within Kabul charge 30-50 afghani for short distances, while private taxis demand 200-400 afghani for cross-city trips. Intercity shared taxis from Kabul to Mazar-i-Sharif, a journey of approximately 350 kilometers requiring 8-12 hours depending on road conditions, cost 800-1200 afghani per passenger. The same route by private taxi demands 8000-12000 afghani for the entire vehicle. Bus services operate between major cities at lower rates but with substantially longer journey times, typically 400-600 afghani for Kabul to Herat, a 14-16 hour trip. Fuel prices fluctuate based on supply from Turkmenistan, Iran, and Pakistan, with petrol averaging 60-70 afghani per liter in 2024. Domestic flights have essentially ceased for civilian passengers, with Ariana Afghan Airlines and Kam Air maintaining extremely limited schedules primarily for cargo and humanitarian missions.
Accommodation beyond basic guesthouses presents significant challenges. The handful of hotels in Kabul that continue operating charge 40-80 dollars per night for rooms with inconsistent electricity and water supply. Herat's mid-range hotels run 30-60 dollars, while Mazar-i-Sharif offers similar facilities at 35-55 dollars. These establishments cater almost exclusively to NGO workers, United Nations personnel, and business travelers from neighboring countries. Advance booking through phone contact proves necessary, as online reservation systems no longer function reliably. Security deposits of 50-100 dollars in cash are standard. Electricity operates on generator power 4-8 hours daily in Kabul, less in provincial cities, with fuel costs passed to guests. Heating during winter months from November through March adds 5-10 dollars daily to room costs in places like Bamiyan, where temperatures drop below freezing.
Food costs increase substantially for items beyond standard Afghan fare. Imported goods such as coffee, chocolate, or processed foods carry premiums of 200-300 percent over regional equivalents due to transport costs and limited supply chains. A kilogram of Afghan-grown rice costs 80-120 afghani in Kabul bazaars, while Pakistani basmati runs 180-250 afghani. Chicken sells for 180-220 afghani per kilogram, lamb for 400-550 afghani, and beef for 350-450 afghani. Seasonal vegetables including tomatoes, onions, and potatoes cost 30-60 afghani per kilogram during harvest periods, doubling in winter months when transport from warmer provinces becomes difficult. Pomegranates from Kandahar, a major export product before 2021, sell domestically for 60-100 afghani per kilogram. Dried fruits and nuts, including almonds from Samangan province and raisins from the Shomali Plain north of Kabul, range from 200-400 afghani per kilogram depending on quality. Bread remains heavily subsidized, with a standard naan costing 10-20 afghani.
Market shopping in locations such as Mandawi bazaar in Kabul or the Friday Mosque bazaar in Herat offers the most economical approach to obtaining local goods. Textiles including wool shawls and cotton fabric sell for 150-400 afghani per meter. Afghan carpets begin at 5000 afghani for small machine-made pieces, while hand-knotted carpets from Maymana or Andkhoy start at 30000 afghani for modest sizes and extend into hundreds of thousands for antique or museum-quality pieces. Lapis lazuli from Badakhshan mines costs 200-800 afghani for small uncut stones, with quality varying extensively based on color depth and pyrite content. Haggling remains expected practice, with initial asking prices typically 30-50 percent above final transaction amounts.
Communication costs remain minimal where services function. SIM cards from Afghan Wireless, Roshan, or Etisalat cost 50-100 afghani with minimal documentation requirements. Mobile data packages run 100-300 afghani weekly for 2-5 gigabytes, though connectivity outside major cities proves unreliable. Internet cafes in Kabul charge 30-50 afghani per hour for extremely slow connections routed through Pakistan or Iran. International calls through mobile networks cost 15-25 afghani per minute to Pakistan, 25-35 afghani to Iran, and 40-60 afghani to most other destinations. WhatsApp calling over WiFi provides the primary method for international communication where electricity permits. Paper newspapers such as Hasht-e Subh and Etilaat Roz cost 20 afghani but face severe content restrictions since August 2021.
Medical costs exist primarily within the cash-for-service model. Consultation with a general physician at a private clinic in Kabul costs 200-400 afghani, specialist consultations 400-800 afghani. Basic medications including antibiotics and pain relievers are available from pharmacies at costs substantially below Western equivalents, with amoxicillin running 80-150 afghani for a full course and ibuprofen 30-60 afghani for 20 tablets. These figures reflect supply availability as of 2024 but face disruption due to import restrictions and pharmaceutical shortages. Public hospitals theoretically provide free care but lack supplies, equipment, and consistent staffing. Emergency Healthcare Centre and other private facilities in Kabul charge 1000-3000 afghani for emergency room treatment excluding procedures or medications. Medical evacuation by air ambulance to Dubai or Islamabad, the nearest locations with advanced trauma care, costs 15000-30000 US dollars when possible to arrange, which represents a complex logistical and political challenge given airspace restrictions. Direct physician consultation through established medical facilities remains essential for any health concern.